Junior Cattlemen Association introduces next generation to agriculture industry
Last year, however, a few Cattlemen decided it was time to do something more. Expanding a tradition and culture of reaching out to Franklin students, the Association founded the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen’s Association.
For Junior Cattlemen directors Joe Hester, Gannon Nunley, Caleb Beason and Michael Pounders, it’s all about sharing their passion for cattle farming and guiding the future of the industry in Franklin County.
“The kids can learn all aspects of cattle production and how beef is actually put on the table,” Hester explained. “We try to teach them the right way as far as handling, treatment, developing and raising their cattle. With any livestock, you want to provide the best care you can for them. That’s what we’re striving for here.”
“It’s a great organization to keep kids involved in the livestock industry and bridge that gap into the Cattlemen’s Association, as well,” added Beason, who is also the Franklin County Cattlemen vice president. “If we start them younger, it instills that passion, and then they want to do it for the rest of their lives.”
When the Junior Cattlemen’s Association was founded last year, Hester said there was an immediate response. Sign-ups have continued since that time, and the organization now boasts about 50 members. The Association is open to ages 21 and younger, and Hester said Franklin County’s group ranges from 3-18.
Nunley and his wife Kristin said encouraging and educating young and future cattle farmers is crucial when it comes to ensuring a bright future in the industry.
“Farmers are making up less than 2 percent of this world, and there aren’t any of us who are in it now who are getting any younger, so somebody is going to have to come along behind us,” Gannon said. “Hopefully they will take to it and carry on the legacy … The youth is where it’s at.”
“If we can show them we’re raising these animals in a humane, quality way that respects these animals and teach them the right way to do things, we can combat a lot of the negativity surrounded the meat industry as a whole,” Kristin added. “I think that’s really important, to teach them not to be afraid of what these farmers are producing.”
The Nunleys are first-generation farmers, and they said they are excited to have their own children – Cooper, 7, and Adalie, 4 – involved with the Junior Cattlemen.
In fall 2017 the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen held their first Field Day, and they wrapped up June 2018 by hosting their first Summer Field Day at Mike Madden’s farm in Spruce Pine, where attendees learned about cattle judging and enjoyed chute side demonstrations. Children also got to ride a horse and enjoy a hamburger cookout.
“It’s all about these young folks,” said Madden, who has been an ardent supporter of the fledgling organization.
Besides offering his facilities for Field Day, Madden has also supported the Junior Cattlemen by incentivizing membership recruitment. He offered a prize heifer to the member who could recruit the most new members in May. It was a close battle between Noah Wyatt, 12, and Colt Thomas, 14, who were the first two members to join – but Noah ultimately signed up 16 new members to Colt’s 15.
Noah said he likes being part of the Junior Cattlemen because “it’s fun, and you really get to learn stuff,” he said. “It’s enjoyable, and everyone should join and come have fun with us.”
Beason thanked Scott Equipment for their participation in Saturday’s activities – for providing Kubotas for demo and offering a number of giveaways.
